From CSIC to ICCRC?

Source: itc-canada.com

Minister of Immigration Jason Kenney has had enough with CSIC, replaced it with a new regulatory Body “The Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council” (ICCRC); which shall be entrusted with regulating and overseeing the actions/performance of Immigration Consultants.

“The ICCRC is the designated regulator of Immigration Consultants under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and it is crucial that all parties involved make sure that there is no confusion about who now regulates Immigration Consultants” said Kenney.

But many might ask why this change?

Is it one of the Tory government’s ongoing changes or is it because CSIC has failed to protect consumers?

There is no doubt whosoever that the government was right; complaints have been increasing pertaining to the overall operation of the Canadian society of Immigration Consultants. Consumers have been left at the mercy of unscrupulous consultants that could get away with almost anything without being held accountable. CSIC has not been able to control and serve the interests of many consumers, failing to adhere to its immigration principles/codes of conduct and the inability to provide competent and efficient advice.

During the CSIC years of activity, all what people heard about was the crooked/ unscrupulous consultants that have been in good standing of CSIC, and what made the whole membership preposterous is the fact that many of the infamous consultants or so-called “crooked” remain on CSIC’s membership list. The question that CSIC must answer is: aren’t they responsible for the actions of such consultants? Aren’t they accountable?

Many praised the Minister’s decision, Canada needs another competent regulatory Body that can “Keep an open eye” on such consultants and ensure that immigrants/consumers are protected, safeguarded and provided with the best/appropriate advice.

The Immigration Consultant’s task is to provide assistance and guidance to immigrants in navigating the immigration system and ensuring that they comply with the legal requirements of the Canadian Immigration System.

From now on, the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) have been entrusted/responsible for regulating immigration consultants. The new Canadian Regulatory Council will set standards/Rules pertaining to immigration; ensure/guarantee that consumers will remain protected. Higher standards strict stringent rules are necessary to ensure that only competent consultants will be permitted to practice such a profession.

The Minister of CIC Jason Kenney has stated that:

“The ICCRC… has pledged to protect the interest of consumers… Their efforts backed by strong new legislation, will allow us to better serve people through our immigration processes and protect potential immigrants, all while improving the integrity of Canada’s immigration system”.

People seeking Canadian immigration advice will have to rely on Canada’s new Immigration Regulator, that is if they decide to avail the service of one of its Regulated Members. The ICCRC motto is to preserve “the integrity of Canada’s immigration system”. CSIC is gone, no longer exists, ICCRC is the new regulator; will they achieve appropriate professional standards/rules?

Only time will tell whether the new immigration regulator is deemed fit to perform such an onerous obligation.

Ahmad AlAzemImmigration Program Student at Ashton College
under the tutelage of Jose Godoy Toku